First Flight Test of Phenom 300 Two Months Ahead Of Schedule

Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets, Luis Carlos Affonso briefed media Monday on the flight test, certification and maturity campaigns for its line of six executive jets during its third year of participation at AirVenture.

Along with establishment of a substantial support network of 45 service centers for the line and the imminent ground breaking for a state-of-the-art production facility for the Phenom 100 and 300 executive jets in Melbourne, FL, Mr. Affonso stated that, "Embraer remains committed to business aviation as a path for growth" for the company.

He went on to say that 30% of Embraer's total corporate backlog -- or $6B -- is in its aviation sector and that almost half of that backlog is in the North American market.

With five new aircraft currently in development alongside the successful Legacy 600, already operation in 23 countries with more than 140 aircraft delivered, Mr. Affonso stated that all goals and commitments for the five new aircraft are currently "on track."

Embraer plans to invest $50 million to build a new 150,000 square foot state-of-the-art production facility in Melbourne, FL to support expansion of the Company's Executive Jets business. This facility will be capable of producing both the Phenom 100 entry level and the Phenom 300 light executive jets as well as a paint shop and delivery and customer design center. Architectural work is currently in progress and ground breaking is imminent. Mr. Affonso stated that because Embraer is a global Company, the new Florida base is "symbolic." First deliveries from the Melbourne facility are planned for 2010. This facility is expected to create some 200 skilled employee positions by 2011.

First flight of the Phenom 300 light executive jet occurred on April 28, 2008, two months ahead of schedule. The aircraft will enter service in the second half of 2009. A Phenom 300 mockup is displayed at the Embraer AirVenture booth in AeroShell Square. This aircraft is designed to appeal to corporations flying large turboprops and light jets and can accommodate up to ten occupants in the largest cabin volume in the light jet category.

First announced in May 2005, the entry level Phenom 100 executive jet first flew in July 2007. The four aircraft flight test fleet has now accrued over 1,000 hours in the flight test and certification process with certification expected this year. The Phenom 100 will be eligible for single pilot operation. The first Phenom 100 aircraft to be delivered to customers are already in the sub-assembly production phase.

Between the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 aircraft, about 800 orders have been placed as of the end of June 2008.

The midlight Legacy 450 and the midsize Legacy 500 (shown at right) executive jets are clean-sheet designed aircraft which offer a six foot stand-up cabin with a flat floor, fly-by-wire flight controls and Rockwell Collins state-of-the-art Pro Line Fusion avionics suite. The Legacy 450 will offer a compete refreshment center while the Legacy 500 will include a fully equipped wet galley. Both aircraft will offer an externally serviced aft lavatory.

The Legacy 500 is expected to enter service in the second half of 2012 with the Legacy 450 following in 2013.

FMI: www.embraer.com